Claude Puel has done a superb job since taking over at the King Power Stadium as his side have a serious shot at European football next season. The manager will be relatively pleased with the performances of his side recently but is looking to add some quality to help him through the tough period coming up in England.
This has seen Leicester City linked with a host of talented players but one name now exciting the fans is Fousseni Diabate. Currently playing for Gazelec Ajaccio, a club in the second tier league in France, Diabate is a 22-year old, versatile attacker, who is showing improvement by the game.
Reports from France claim that Leicester City are in advanced talks to land the youngster this month and are hopeful that he replicates what their last signing from Ligue 2 did at the club, Riyad Mahrez. Previously wanted by Southampton in England, Diabate is a relative unknown in Europe so what will he bring to the squad at King Power?
A natural centre-forward, Diabate is more than capable of playing on either wing in attack and has a gifted technique. He is quick and agile, can beat his man with ease and is more than capable of creating chances on a regular basis in the final third.
He has three goals and an assist in 18 starts in Ligue 2 this season and has been the first choice for his side on the wing. He represented the Mali U23s recently and is not too far away from a senior side call-up.
At just 22, he has shown great promise in his time in France and is surely a star for the future. However, his lack of physical attributes, his inability in hold up play and tracking back in defence, could all be problems for him in the English top flight.
He currently plays alongside Gregoire Puel, Claude Puel’s son, and it is understood that the Leicester City coach is ready to go all in for his services in the upcoming days.
The Foxes have got a decent return from their star striker Jamie Vardy this season but the likes of Islam Slimani, Kelechi Iheanacho and Shinji Okazaki have failed to impress Puel and have fallen down the pecking order.
The likes of Demarai Gray and Riyad Mahrez have played as support strikers for Vardy this season while Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton are the best options for them on the flanks. This shows a slight weakness in the attack, which will be solved by Diabate.
If he is the best option, is a question that only time will answer but do you think Diabate will find any success in England?
